Wise Words from Richard Milligan

I met Richard on my first day of university.  He now lives in the centre of NSW in a town called Nyngan in the Bogan shire (no joke!) with his two kids and wife, Cora.

Richard is a skilled teacher and a passionate and gifted evangelist.  He shares below some terrific and insighful reflections on living in a small town, ministering to high school kids and even playing footy for the sake of the gospel!

Richard, can you tell us a bit about yourself and the opportunity you have to teach high school boys about Jesus?

We came to Nyngan as teachers, with the conviction that we would make a valuable contribution in the school, church and community.  We had no idea how it would go, but we didn’t come with a mindset of ‘do the time to get a coastal placement’. That’s proved important in our ministry.

I’m employed as Literacy Mentor at the High School 4 days per week, and in my time here I’ve also studied some theology by distance and become the pastor at our church.

I share Jesus with about 40 kids at youth group, with some informal and formal opportunities at school and church; but chiefly through being part of the overall Nyngan community and living as a Christ follower making the most of every opportunity to connect.

You mentioned formal and informal opportunities, tell us a little more about these.

Informally, building relationships which demonstrate care and also a different way of life is powerful – particularly because many of our boys don’t experience an alternative, redeemed masculinity that doesn’t involve excessive consumption of alcohol, promiscuity, pornography, etc.

Formally, the town churches hold a ‘service’ for the Year 12 finishers, as well as Easter and Christmas and other ‘assemblies’ and I occasionally get to preach. I also get pastoral opportunities among staff and students at school. For example, one of the boys at school had his mum die recently, and through youth group and in my role as a pastor and at school I’ve been able to become a support for him within the school.

What have been some of the challenges?

Being a teacher often means being the disciplinarian.  I have sometimes regretted my own un-grace in dealing with situations.  Students may not remember what we teach them, but they will remember how we make them feel!

Graciousness can come before a bad moment, but also afterwards in an opportunity for reconciliation, and for displaying grace.

In my experience kids are astounded by a teacher who says sorry.

What advice would you give others?

1. Be open about your faith.  Being known as someone of integrity, honesty, regard for others and generosity is helpful – and difficult!  Living out the faith in little ways. Like listening carefully to people.  Like working hard.  Admitting mistakes and sin.  Like being careful about staff politics, and avoiding gossip means you are trusted, and more likely to have an ear for the gospel.  I have not always got this right.
2. Live ‘missionally‘.  I have taken up playing egg shaped violent ball games.  It gives me credibility with the kids (especially the boys) for being a part of the community (and ‘blokey’). This matters in a town like ours – that you get involved and don’t look like you will blow out as quickly as you blew in.